The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has criticized the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) for holding a musical concert at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan, describing it as a "waste of public funds". The party's Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, alleged that some markets in Ibadan were shut and traders, commercial motorists, and residents were pressured to attend the event. The concert, which was part of APM's campaign ahead of the 2027 elections, featured Governor Seyi Makinde receiving thousands of defectors from the APC into the APM.
The APC also questioned the use of the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, for the political event, amid controversy over the facility's suitability for hosting international football matches. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) recently rejected the facility for its matches, citing concerns over its condition. The APC's criticism comes as the party has previously called for an investigation into the reported ₦5.5 billion expenditure on the stadium's rehabilitation.
According to Sadare, the development was particularly concerning given the questions surrounding the reported ₦5.5 billion cost of the rehabilitation of Adamasingba Stadium. He alleged that substantial public funds were deployed to organise the concert, although no evidence or details of the amount allegedly spent were provided. The APC spokesman further alleged that the state government had failed to adequately address concerns surrounding the rehabilitation of the stadium.
The controversy surrounding the stadium's suitability for hosting football matches has been compounded by the relocation of Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC)'s CAF Confederation Cup home fixture from Ibadan to Abeokuta, Ogun State. The club subsequently selected the MKO Abiola Sports Complex, Abeokuta, as its home venue. Sadare said the situation had compounded concerns among supporters of Shooting Stars, who were disappointed by the club's exit from the competition.
The APC has previously called for an investigation into the reported ₦5.5 billion expenditure on the stadium following the relocation of 3SC's continental fixtures to Abeokuta. The party also linked the controversy to the relocation of 3SC's fixture, saying that the state government had failed to adequately address concerns surrounding the rehabilitation of the stadium. Instead of refunding the ₦5.5 billion misappropriated, the party alleged that Gov. Makinde continued to rub insults on the injury of the people.
The criticism came as the APM held the Boye Nation/JAF Movement Mega Concert at Adamasingba on Monday, where Governor Seyi Makinde received thousands of defectors from the APC into the APM ahead of the 2027 elections. The event featured a Fuji music concert, which was attended by thousands of people. The APC's criticism of the event has sparked a fresh controversy in the run-up to the 2027 elections.
The APC's criticism of the APM's musical concert has highlighted concerns over the use of public funds for political events in Oyo State. The party's call for an investigation into the expenditure on the stadium's rehabilitation has also raised questions about the management of public funds in the state. As the 2027 elections approach, the controversy is likely to continue to simmer, with both parties trading accusations and counter-accusations.
Key points
- APC criticizes APM's musical concert at Lekan Salami Stadium as waste of public funds.
- Controversy surrounds the suitability of Lekan Salami Stadium for hosting international football matches.
- APC calls for investigation into ₦5.5 billion expenditure on stadium's rehabilitation.
